Support apparatus for use with radiation image information processing system

ABSTRACT

A radiation image information processing system subjects a radiation image to certain signal processing so as to obtain image signal and generates a visible image from the image signal. A support apparatus for the system is composed principally of a control unit, a radiation signal storage unit, a display and a keyboard. When a fault occurs in the radiation image information processing system, a support apparatus is connected to a control apparatus of the system. The fault of the system is detected by the support system, which generates a fault detection signal. An image signal which leads to occurrence of the fault or the like is stored in a memory and thereafter, the analysis of the fault is carried out based on the contents stored. In view of the analyzed contents, the fault is removed and hence the system is recovered.

This is a divisional of application Ser. No. 08/092,981 filed Jun. 28,1993, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 07/500,349 filedMar. 28, 1990, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a support apparatus for use with aradiation image information processing system which reads radiationimage signals from a sheet-like storage type phosphor, subjects the sameto certain image processing and displays the processed radiation imagesignals on a photographic film or on a CRT or the like.

In recent years, radiation image information systems have beenwidespread particularly in the medical field, which are each forrecording/reproducing a radiation transmission image of an object suchas a human body using a sheet (hereinafter called "storage type phosphorsheet" or merely "sheet") having a layer composed of a storage typephosphor. The radiation image information processing systems have beendisclosed in a number of patent applications filed by the presentapplicant, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 55-12429,55-103472, 55-116340, 55-87970, etc.

When a certain phosphor is exposed to a radiation (such as X-rays,α-rays, β-rays, γ-rays, electron beams, or ultraviolet rays), thephosphor stores a part of the energy of the radiation. When the phosphorexposed to the radiation is subsequently exposed to stimulating rayssuch as visible light, the phosphor emits accelerated light inproportion to the stored energy of the radiation. The phosphorexhibiting such a property is referred to as "storage type phosphor". Inthe radiation image information processing system employing the storagetype phosphor sheet, the image information about theradiation-transmitted image of an object such as a human body istemporarily stored in a storage type phosphor layered on a sheet (thisis subsequently expressed as "the image information is stored in thesheet"), and then the sheet is scanned with stimulating rays such as alaser beam, so that the sheet emits accelerated light. The emitted lightis photoelectrically read to produce an information signal (hereinaftercalled merely "image signal") representative of theradiation-transmitted image. After the image signal have been subjectedto certain signal processing, the image signal is displayed as a visibleimage on a recording medium such as a photographic photosensitivematerial or on a CRT or the like.

In addition, in the system of this type, it is necessary to carry out arelatively fine adjustment of the state of operation of the system uponinstallation of the radiation image information processing system. Thisis because it is required to adjust the system in such a way that thequality in image becomes a desired state in the image visual-recognitionanalytical work of the conditions of environment at a position where thesystem is installed or in the image visual-recongnition analytical workusing a recording medium or a device with a CRT or the like.

For purposes of adjustment of the system at the time the working for itsinstallation is made, it is practiced to photographically record inpractice, for example, an artificial body formed with a human bone orthe like upon installation of the radiation image information processingsystem and then adjust the system based on the recorded imageinformation. It has also been required to perform the working for theinstallation of the system within a short period of time. Thus, there isa potential problem that inconvenience such as increase in a burden onthe economy for provision of servicemen as well as the provision of alarge number of servicemen takes place.

When it is desired to record such information on the sheet or toreproduce it on the CRT or the like, it is required to properly keep thestate of fine operation of the system. Accordingly, the structure of thesupport for the system has been kept in order to assist the support ofsystem functions. Under this type of support structure of the systemfunctions, when a fault occurs in the radiation image informationprocessing system, a serviceman or the like inspects the system, andrepairs the defective device on site if possible. If it is found to behard to ascertain the fault on site and the repair for its recoverycannot be performed on site, then a part of a device related to theposition where the fault has occurred is replaced with a new one.

However, the storage of chronological data regarding the system failureoften tends to be insufficient on the side of the user in theconventional radiation image information processing system. There isalso a case where a film on which improper images representingchronological data concerning the system failure or the like havealready been recorded is lost. In such a case, it therefore becomesimpossible to analyze the cause of the fault, thereby causing a problem.

Furthermore, the visible image obtained in the above-described manner issubjected to a diagnosis by a doctor or the like. However, the conditionof image processing is generally different in terms of positions of apart to be diagnosed or a hospital or the like. For example, when oneattempts to change parameters for each photographic recording and outputthe result, the operation of establishing the parameters not onlybecomes extremely cumbersome but also becomes required to establish thesame with a considerable skill. In the case where the condition of theimage processing is established once and an image has been recorded on aphotographic film, the reestablishment of the image processing conditionafter the photographic recording is performed again is practicallyimpossible because of an excessive exposure of radiation to a patient.

As an alternative to the above case, it may also be feasible to considera case where after the radiation image obtained by photographicallyrecording an object is temporarily stored in a recording medium such asa hard disk, a serviceman or the like adjusts the image processingcondition and then establishes the image processing condition when theoptimal image is obtained. However, this case gives, to the user,inconvenience that the condition of the image processing cannotarbitrarily be adjusted.

When it is desired to monitor the state of operation of the system inthe above-described system, for example, when one attempts to test thestate of operation of the system at the time a fault has occurred, thestate of its operation can heretofore be tested only within the range ofprocessing capability of a known control system in the above-describedsystem. Accordingly, time required to find out a position where thefault has occurred needs a long period of time, thereby causing adrawback.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object of the present invention to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,which smoothly operates the system where a radiation image signal isread from a storage type phosphor formed on a sheet or the like and thensubjected to certain image processing, followed by display of the resulton a photographic film or on a CRT or the like.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,wherein where it is desired to perform adjustment of the system by theserviceman, i.e., the initial adjustment at the time of installation ofthe system or readjustment of the system when it is in operation, with aview toward keeping desired functions of the radiation image informationprocessing system, the support apparatus for the radiation imageprocessing system, in which the reference image has been stored inadvance, is connected to the radiation image information processingsystem, an image obtained from the apparatus is rendered visible so asto be the reference visible image to be used, and then adjustment ismade using such a reference visible image in such a way that the qualityin image becomes a desirable state in the image visual-recognitionanalytical work of the conditions of environment at the position wherethe system is installed or in the image visual-recognition analyticalwork, using a recording medium or a device with a CRT or the like,performed by the user of the system, thereby making it possible toachieve the desired functions of the system as rapid as practicable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,wherein where a fault occurs in the radiation image informationprocessing system and thereafter difficulties are encountered on siteupon confirmation of a position where the fault has occurred, adedicated support apparatus for the system is connected to the systemand image signals which lead to generation of the fault during apredetermined period of time subsequent to its connection are stored inmemory areas, followed by analysis of the fault based on the contents ofthe stored image signals and the fault or the like is removed, i.e., therecovery and repair of the system is carried out in view of the contentsof its analysis, whereby a quick recovery is made and the operation ofthe system can smoothly be accelerated.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,which temporarily stores image information obtained from the systemtherein and thereafter processes the same based on various imageprocessing parameters into an optimal image, and allows, for example,the user himself to establish desired parameters based on the optimalimage.

A still further object of the present invention is to overcome theforegoing problems and to provide a support apparatus for use with aradiation image information processing system, wherein where a faultoccurs in the radiation image information processing system andthereafter difficulties are encountered on site upon confirmation of aposition where the fault has occurred, a dedicated support apparatus forthe system is connected to the system and image signals which lead togeneration of the fault during a predetermined period of time subsequentto its connection are stored in memory areas, followed by analysis ofthe fault based on the contents of the stored image signals and thefault or the like is removed, i.e., the recovery and repair of thesystem is carried out in view of the contents of its analysis, whereby aquick recovery is made and the operation of the system can smoothly beaccelerated.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation processing system, wherein where itis desired to monitor the state of operation of the radiation imageinformation processing system, a support control board with a testprogram incorporated therein and a bus monitor board are connected tothe system, and data on the bus line, which is obtained by executing thetest program, is stored in the storing means, and then the state ofoperation of the system is monitored in detail based on the data,thereby making it possible to find out the fault or promote efficiencyin development of a new program.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,the support apparatus being connected to a radiation image informationprocessing system which subjects a radiation image to certain signalprocessing so as to obtain an image signal and generates a visible imagefrom the image signal, the support apparatus comprising a control unitfor storing therein an image signal at the time a fault occurs and forsending the stored image signal to the radiation image informationprocessing system and means for storing an image signal therein.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the control unit and the means both comprise transferrecognizing means for recognizing a point in time at which each of imagesignals is transferred when the control unit constituting the radiationimage information processing system is in operation, storing meansincluding a plurality of memory areas for storing the image signalstherein, memory establishing means for storing image signals in thestoring means based on the result of recognition of the transfer pointby the transfer recognizing means, selection storing/holding means forselectively storing/holding the image signals stored in the storingmeans, and image signal supplying means for supplying the image signalsstored in the storing means.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the storing means makes use of an image memory, and the memoryestablishing means, the selection storing/holding means and the imagesignal supplying means each include a keyboard.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,the support apparatus being connected to a radiation image informationprocessing system which subjects a radiation image to signal processingso as to obtain an image signal and generates a visible image from theimage signal, the support apparatus comprising a control unit forascertaining the state of operation of the system based on dataregarding execution of a test program which has been stored therein andmeans for storing an image signal therein.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the control unit comprises first storing means for storing atest program therein and operational processing means for executing thetest program, and the means includes second storing means for storingdata on a bus line provided in the radiation image informationprocessing system therein, based on the test program, and wherein thestate of operation of the system is monitored based on the data storedin the second storing means.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the second means makes use of an image memory.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwhich subjects a radiation image to certain signal processing to obtainan image signal and generates a visible image from the image signal, theapparatus comprising a control unit for storing and holding a referenceimage signal therein and for selectively sending the stored referenceimage signal therefrom and means for storing an image signal therein.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the control unit and the means both comprise storing means forstoring an image signal having reference quality therein upon initialadjustment of the system at the time the radiation image informationprocessing system is installed or upon readjustment of the system whileit is in operation, image signal selecting means for selectively readingout the image signal stored in the storing means upon the initialadjustment or readjustment, image signal supplying means for supplyingthe image signal stored in the storing means to generate the visibleimage therefrom with the radiation image information processing system,and parameter establishing means for establishing each of imageprocessing parameters relative to the image signal employed in theradiation image information processing system.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the storing means makes use of an image memory, and theparameter establishing means includes a keyboard.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing system,the support apparatus being connected to a radiation image informationprocessing system which subjects a radiation image to certain signalprocessing so as to obtain an image signal and generates a visible imagefrom the image signal, the support apparatus comprising a control unitfor storing image information therein and for electrically processingthe stored image information based on image parameters and means forstoring an image signal therein.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the control unit and the means both comprise storing means forstoring a reference image signal supplied from the radiation imageinformation processing system therein, image signal supplying means forsupplying the image signal stored in the storing means to generate thevisible image therefrom with the radiation image information processingsystem, and parameter establishing means for establishing imageprocessing parameters relative to the image signal employed in theradiation image information processing system.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a supportapparatus for use with a radiation image information processing systemwherein the storing means makes use of an image memory, and the imagesignal supplying means and the parameter establishing means each includea keyboard.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent from the following description and theappended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings inwhich a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown by way ofillustrative example.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an overall constructionof a radiation image information processing system to which a supportapparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, which issuitable for use with the radiation image information processing system,is applied;

FIG. 2 is a simplified illustration of the support apparatus shown inFIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram depicting one embodiment of thesupport apparatus shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a radiation image information processing system and asupport system therefor according to the present embodiment. Theradiation image information processing system basically comprises animage reading apparatus 14 for photoelectrically reading, underpredetermined conditions, a storage type phosphor sheet A on which theradioactive-ray transmitted image of an object 12 obtained by anexposure device 10 is recorded, by making use of a photoelectrictransfer means, and for converting the read image into a digital signal,thereby to transmit the same, a control apparatus 16 for controlling theoperation of the image reading apparatus 14 and for subjecting an imagesignal as a digital signal to image processing such as gradation andfrequency processing, to thereby transmit the resultant signal, an imageoutput apparatus 18 for recording the image signal as a visible image ona photographic film or the like as a photographic photosensitivematerial, to thereby output the recorded image signal therefrom, andanother image output apparatus 20 for displaying the image signal as avisible image on a CRT or the like. Incidentally, the exposure device 10also includes an X-ray source 22 and is adapted to store and record theradioactiveray transmitted image of the object 12 on the storage typephosphor sheet A.

The image reading apparatus 14 comprises a mechanism for applyingstimulating rays such as a laser beam to the storage type phosphor sheetA and converting accelerated light emitted from a storage type phosphorof the sheet A into an image signal with an unillustratedphotomultiplier, and also a mechanism for applying erasing light to thestorage type phosphor sheet A from which the image signal has been read,thereby to erase any remaining image information from the sheet A sothat the sheet A can be used again. The image output apparatus 18irradiates an unillustrated photographic film such as a photographicphotosensitive material with a laser beam based on the image signalobtained from the image reading apparatus 14, and develops the image onthe film into a visible image.

As shown in FIG. 2, the support apparatus 30 according to the presentembodiment roughly comprises a support control unit 32, an image signalstorage unit 34 for recording and holding image signals correspondingto, for example, four sheets, a display 36 equipped with a CRT or thelike for displaying various types of image information thereon and akeyboard 38 for establishing functions of various kinds and forperforming signal processing in the display 36. FIG. 3 is a blockdiagram showing the construction of the support apparatus in detail.

The support control unit 32 is connected to a control board 44 whichconstitutes the control apparatus 16 shown in FIG. 1. At this time, aCPU 46 for controlling the operation of the control apparatus 16 isremoved from the control board 44 and mounted onto the support controlunit 32. The support control unit 32 and the control board 44 areconnected to each other by a flexible cable Fc through a gate 49.Supporting operation of the control unit 32 for supporting the controlapparatus 16 is controlled by a support CPU (hereinafter called "SCPU")42 based on a support program stored in a ROM 40.

The support control unit 32 has a bus line 45 to which the ROM 40 andthe SCPU 42 are connected. The bus line 45 is also connected to a RAM 47for storing a support data, a timer calendar 48 for counting a date,time or the like to thereby apply the result to data, a serialinput/output controller (SIO) 50 having a function for discriminatinginput/output signals and a logic circuit 52. At this time, the display36 provided with the CRT, for displaying faults or establishing data byway of example is connected to the SIO 50, together with the keyboard 38having processing functions. Also supplied to the logic circuit 52 issignals from a reset terminal and a power supply switch. Further, thebus line 45 is also connected to an address counter 58, a RAM 60, a RAM62 and a logic circuit 64. The address counter 58 serves to address theRAM 60 based on commands from the SCPU 42 and the logic circuit 64. TheRAM 60 serves to store status data such as processing addresses andtheir instructions, which are to be executed by the control apparatus 16and the CPU 46, and then output the processing addresses to a comparator66. The RAM 62 serves to store, for example, a particular address whichis indicative of a fault caused in the control apparatus 16 and itsinstruction or the like, and also to send the particular address out ofthese data to a comparator 66. The comparator 66 compares the processingaddresses and the particular address, and delivers a signal representingthe result of comparison to the logic circuit 64. The logic circuit 64serves to output a shutdown command (WAIT signal) via the gate 49 to theCPU 46 based on the signal representing the result of comparison andalso to send an interrupt command and a support data from the SCPU 42 tothe CPU 46.

Further, the bus line 45 is connected to a PIO 68 for performing bufferoperation and an address drive 70, both of which are in turn connectedto their corresponding terminals T₁ and T₂ so as to send output signalsthereto.

The image signal storage unit 34 includes a REG (register) 82 and animage memory 84 having a relatively mass storage capacity, both of whichare connected via cables C₁ and C₂ to a bus line 80 connecting betweeneach control board within the control apparatus 16. The image memory 84comprises memory areas of 84a through 84d, all of which are partitionedinto given address regions. An output signal from the output terminal T₂of the support control unit 32 is applied through an input terminal T₂ 'to an address decoder 86, whose first output signal is inputted to a REG88. In addition, the first output signal and an output signal from theREG 82 are supplied to a comparator 90. An output signal from thecomparator 90 and a second output signal from the address decoder 86 arerespectively delivered to a logic circuit 92 and an output signal fromthe output terminal T₁ of the support control unit 32 is also suppliedto the logic circuit 92 through an input terminal T₁ '. The logiccircuit 92 is connected to an address counter 94 for designatingaddresses for image signals, i.e., one of the four memory areas of 84athrough 84d to store data in the image memory 84. A fourth output signalfrom the address decoder 86 and the output signal from the inputterminal T₁ ' are supplied to a read address counter 96 for readingimage signals which have been stored in the image memory 84.

The support apparatus for the radiation image information processingsystem according to the present embodiment is basically constructed asdescribed above. A description will next be made on operation andadvantageous effects of the support apparatus.

A description will first be made on operation of the radiation imageinformation processing system. In this case, when an X-ray is applied tothe object 12 by the X-ray source 22 in the exposure device 10, theX-ray passes through the object 12 and produces a transmitted-radiationimage of the object 12 on the surface of the storage type phosphor sheetA loaded in the exposure device 10. Then, the sheet A on which the imageof the object is recorded is loaded into the image reading apparatus 14,where the object image is converted into image information in the formof an electric signal under the control of the control apparatus 16.

In other words, in the image reading apparatus 14, a stimulating raysuch as a laser beam is applied in a main scanning direction to thestorage type phosphor sheet A which is fed in an auxiliary scanningdirection, accelerated light emitted from the storage type phosphorsheet A is photoelectrically read by an unillustrated photoelectrictransfer means such as a photomultiplier, and the read signal isconverted into image information in the form of a digital signal. Whenthe storage type phosphor sheet A is irradiated over its entire surfacewith erasing light, any remaining radiation image information is erasedfrom the sheet A from which the image information has been read, so thatthe storage type phosphor sheet A can be used for exposure in theexposure device 10 again.

The image information converted in the form of an electric signal by theimage reading apparatus 14 is subjected, as needed, to processing suchas gradation processing, frequency processing, etc., by the controlapparatus 16. Thereafter, the image information is rendered visible bythe image output apparatus 18 or 20 to thereby display the resultantvisible image on a screen. At this time, in the image output apparatus18, a laser beam, which is modulated by the image information, isapplied in the main scanning direction to a photographic film as aphotographic photosensitive material, which is fed in an auxiliaryscanning direction, thereby producing the image on the photographicfilm. Then, the image on the photographic film is developed into avisible image. In the image output apparatus 20, an object image basedon the image information is displayed on a screen such as a CRT screen.

A description will next be made on operation of the support apparatusfor the radiation image information processing system, which isconnected to the radiation image information processing system whichoperates as described above.

If a fault occurs in the radiation image information processing systemwhile it is in operation, the system performs a certain error processingprocedure, and is then brought into a HALT condition. A description willhere be made on one example in which such a fault occurs. The imageinformation has been subjected to frequency processing in the radiationimage information processing system, and the image information isdivided by a given coefficient upon its processing. Therefore, if nocoefficient is established or the coefficient is zero, the quotientbecomes infinite. If such an error occurs, the system makes a jump fromthe processing program to a particular address, saves the contents of astatus register and a control register at the time of occurrence of theerror, and is thereafter brought into the HALT condition. Then, the userof the system attempts to turn on the system again for its recoveryunder such a state. If the system does not recover, then the user callsa serviceman.

The serviceman then connects each control circuit board in the supportcontrol unit 32 of the support apparatus 30 shown in FIG. 3 to thecontrol apparatus 16 and also connects the image signal storage unit 34to the bus line 80 of the control apparatus 16. Namely, the servicemanremoves the CPU 46 from the control board 44 which constitutes thecontrol apparatus 16 and mounts the CPU 46 on the support control unit32. Then, the serviceman connects the support control unit 32 to thecontrol board 44 with a flexible cable Fc through the gate 49, and alsoconnects the REG 82 of the image signal storage unit 34 and the imagememory 84 to the bus line 80 of the control board 44 with the cables C₁and C₂. Then, the serviceman establishes, with respect to the supportcontrol unit 32, a fault address at the time of occurrence of the errorand an image transfer address corresponding to a start command addressfor executing the image transfer, based on the data of the statusregister and the control register, which have been saved on the side ofthe system upon occurrence of the error. The fault address and the imagetransfer address are inputted using the keyboard 38 with the display 36such as a CRT, which is connected to the control unit 32, and is thenloaded into the RAM 62 through the SIO 50.

After the fault address and the image transfer address have beenestablished by the serviceman, the user restarts the system for theprocessing operation based on the system. At this time, the CPU 46 ofthe control apparatus 16 interconnects the image reading apparatus 14and the CPU 46 in response to a select signal which is transferredthrough the gate 49. In addition, the control apparatus 16 and the CPU46 are connected to the RAM 60 and the comparator 66 by the selectsignal.

A description will first be made on operation for storing informationprocessed upon occurrence of a fault based on the fault address whichhas been established.

The processing information from the CPU 46 is transferred through thegate 49 to the control apparatus 16, which then controls thepredetermined operation of the image reading apparatus 14 or the like.On the other hand, the processing information is transferred through thegate 49 to the RAM 60 and the comparator 66. At this time, the RAM 60stores the processing information. The comparator 66 then compares anaddress of the processing information with the fault address stored inthe RAM 62. On the other hand, the control apparatus 16 transferscontrol signals and address data signals through the gate 49 to the CPU46. Similarly, these signals are also transferred through the gate 49 tothe RAM 60 and the comparator 66. Then, the comparator 66 also comparesthe address of the processing information from the control apparatus 16with the fault address stored in the RAM 62 in the same manner asdescribed above.

Then, the comparator 66 successively compares the processing addressfrom the CPU 46, the address data signal from the control apparatus 16and the like. If it is ascertained that they coincide with the faultaddress which has been stored in advance in the RAM 62, or falls withina certain range of the fault address, the comparator 66 sends a faultdetection signal to the logic circuit 64. At this time, the logiccircuit 64 supplies a waiting signal WAIT to the CPU 46 through the gate49, and starts to interrupt the SCPU 42 through the bus line 45, so thatthe CPU 46 is brought into a waiting condition. On the other hand, theSCPU 42 checks the processing information from the CPU 46, which hasbeen stored in the RAM 60, based on an interrupt signal from the logiccircuit 64, and then holds the result therein. Then, the SCPU 42 writesa jump command for jumping to the particular address, i.e., an errorprocessing command in the RAM 60, and also writes a recovery program toavoid providing the error processing to an address of the RAM 60, whichis designated by the jump command. Then, the CPU 46 is released from thewaiting condition through the logic circuit 64.

Then, the CPU 46 continues the processing operation executed by thecontrol apparatus 16 based on the recovery program stored in the RAM 60.Namely, the CPU 46 executes the recovery program in the RAM 60 throughthe gate 49, and applies a predetermined operation command to thecontrol apparatus 16 through the gate 49. At this time, the controlapparatus 16 continues the image processing operation or the like basedon the recovery program stored in the RAM 60. According to the recoveryprogram stored in the RAM 60, the CPU 46 also displays an error messageor the like on the console of the control apparatus 16, thereby makingit possible to indicate to the user that the error on the image at thetime the error occurs is successfully processed.

A description will next be made on operation for storing imageinformation to be transferred and for recording an improper image whenit is found to be improper.

The comparator 66 compares the address of the processing informationexecuted by the CPU 46, which has been transferred through the gate 49described above, the address of the processing information from thecontrol apparatus 16, and the image transfer address stored in the RAM62.

Where the CPU 46 commands the control apparatus 16 to take in theprocessing address at the time of the image transfer, the processingaddress is compared with the particular address in the RAM 62. At thistime, the particular address coincides with the processing address orfalls within a certain range of the processing address. Therefore, thecomparator 66 supplies a detection signal representing the imagetransfer to the logic circuit 64. The logic circuit 64 then supplies awaiting signal WAIT to the CPU 46 through the gate 49 so as todeactivate the CPU 46, and then interrupts the SCPU 42. Then, the SCPU42 checks the contents in the RAM 60 and identifies the size and addressof a transfer image. The SCPU 42 also establishes a transfer addressrepresenting the size of lines and the number of lines with respect to aDMA in the CPU 46. Further, the SCPU 42 clears the REG 82 through thePIO 68, and thereafter enables it and also sets an end address to theREG 88. Then, the SCPU 42 also enables the logic circuit 64.Furthermore, the SCPU 42 causes the CPU 46 to continue processingoperation. As a consequence, the DMA is caused to start and a start inthe transfer of image signals is made.

Here, the REG 82 latches each address on the bus line 80, which is inturn compared with the end address in the REG 88 by the comparator 90.The REG 82 then takes in an image signal on the bus line 80 with respectto the memory areas of 84a through 84d in the image memory 84 until bothaddresses coincide with each other. The comparator 90 now applies acoincidence signal to the logic circuit 92 when both addresses coincidewith each other, and hence the address counter 94 is disabled to stopwriting. Each image is successively written into the image memory 84 inthe above-described manner. When an improper image is detected by theuser, the user gives instructions through the keyboard 38 to hold theimage, and the SCPU 42 receives the holding command from the user. Then,the SCPU 42 commands the logic circuit 92 to avoid the addresses locatedin the memory areas of 84a through 84d in the image memory 84, in whichvalues counted by the address counter have been written therein based onthe manner referred to above. When the images corresponding to foursheets at the maximum are held in the above-described manner, thesubsequent storage of the image data is stopped.

The serviceman now gives instructions from the keyboard 38 through theSIO 50 to read out the processing information, which has been stored inthe RAM 60 and leads to occurrence of the fault, and then saves theinformation thus read in a floppy disk or the like. The serviceman alsocommands from the keyboard 38 through the SIO 50 so as to read theimproper image which has been stored and held in each of the memoryareas of 84a through 84d within the image memory 84 provided in theimage signal storage unit 34. As a consequence, the SCPU 42 then setsthe read address counter 96 through the PIO 68 and at the same time,reads data during a cycle executed through the PIO 68, thereby toreproduce the improper image with the image output apparatus 18.Thereafter, the serviceman will find out the cause of the fault andperform a recovery processing or the like, base on the floppy disk andthe reproduced image.

A description will here be made on adjustment of the system by the user,i.e., initial adjustment of the system at the time of its installationor readjustment of the system in use, with a view toward maintainingdesired functions of the system using the above-described radiationimage information processing system.

It is first performed by the serviceman in a service station or the liketo store, in advance, the reference image information about parts to befrequently photographically recorded, such as a chest, a stomach(magen), a bone, etc., in the image memory 84, said information beingrecorded in an optical disk device or the like. In this case, thereference image information for desired purposes in the memory areas of84a through 84d of the image memory 84 is stored by using the opticaldisk device, romwriter, etc. The provision of a plurality of imagememories 84 for such reference image information permits the use ofmulti-purpose reference image information. Incidentally, a method ofstoring information, which is employed in the romwriter or the like, hasalready been known and its detailed description will therefore beomitted.

Then, the serviceman electrically connects each control circuit board inthe support control unit 32 of the support apparatus 30 to the controlapparatus 16 in a manner similar to the above-described processing atthe time the error occurs, and also connects the image signal storageunit 34 to the bus line 80 in the control apparatus 16. Then, areference image representative of the state of the installed system, theplace where it is installed, or the like, is formed based on the abovereference image information. Here, a signal for reading the referenceimage information from the memory areas of 84a through 84d in the imagememory 84 in which information about the certain parts has been storedin advance is first supplied to the address decoder 86 and the addresscounter 96 through the bus line 45 and the PIO 68 based on commands fromthe keyboard 38. The image memory 84 then supplies the reference imageinformation about the chest, which has been stored in, for example, thememory area 84a, out of the designated memory areas of 84a through 84d,to the control apparatus 16 through the gate 49.

The serviceman then represents image information on the image outputapparatus 18 and 20 with the display 36 and the keyboard 38, and thecomparison and investigation of the image information is here made,whereby image processing parameters such as parameters regardinggradation processing, frequency processing, etc., are established.

At this time, the serviceman establishes a reference value where noparameters are established in advance upon installation of the system,and establishes this value as it is where the parameters have alreadybeen established upon readjustment of the system.

Based on the parameters established by the serviceman, the CPU 46 thenexecutes the image processing with respect to the reference imagesignal, and outputs a visible image through the image output apparatus18 and 20. At this time, the serviceman investigates together withdoctors or the like whether or not the visible image is in a good or badcondition. According to the result of its investigation, the servicemanestablishes again other image processing parameters with the keyboard 38so as to output an image subjected to the image processing using theparameters referred to above. It is therefore possible to establish mostsuitable image processing parameters by repeatedly performing theoperation for the above-described investigation.

Desired parameters can be recognized for each part in the form of auniform image as a whole by establishing parameters with such areference image, thereby to enable the serviceman to easily and promptlyeffect the operations of establishment for parameters.

Further, in the system according to another embodiment, the user canestablish image processing parameters for producing optimal images byusing the display 36 and the keyboard 38 which constitute the supportapparatus 30.

In other words, the user establishes a parameter setting mode withrespect to the support apparatus 30 by using the keyboard 38, andthereafter loads the image reading apparatus 14 with the sheet A onwhich a certain image is recorded and then starts the image readingoperation. At this time, the gate 49 serves to monitor information aboutinstructions or the like which are read out of the memory in the controlapparatus 16 based on processing addresses and the above-describedprocessing address which are outputted from the CPU 46 to the controlapparatus 16, and to store the same in the RAM 60. Then, the comparator66 compares the processing address which has been stored in the RAM 60with a particular address for taking in the image information which hasbeen stored in the RAM 62 by the serviceman, and the result ofcomparison is supplied to the logic circuit 64.

Where the CPU 46 commands the control apparatus 16 to take in aprocessing address at the time instructions for taking in the imageinformation have been made, the processing address is stored in the RAM60 and supplied to the comparator 66, where this processing address iscompared with the particular address in the RAM 62. At this time, theparticular address coincides with the processing address. Therefore, thecomparator 66 supplies a coincidence signal to the logic circuit 64. Thelogic circuit 64 then supplies a waiting signal WAIT to the CPU 46through the gate 49 to deactivate the CPU 46, and interrupts the SCPU42. Then, the SCPU 42 checks the contents stored in the RAM 60 andidentifies the size and address of a transfer image. The SCPU 42 alsoestablishes a transfer address representing the size of lines and thenumber of lines with respect to a DMA in the control apparatus 16.Further, the SCPU 42 clears the REG 82, and thereafter enables it andalso sets an end address to the REG 88 through the PIO 68. Then, theSCPU 42 causes the CPU 46 to continue processing operation. As aconsequence, the DMA is caused to start and a start in the transfer ofimage signals is made.

The REG 82 latches each address on the bus line 80, and the latchedaddress is compared with the end address in the REG 88 by the comparator90. The REG 82 takes in image signals on the bus line 80 with respect tothe memory areas of 84a through 84d in the image memory 84 until bothaddresses coincide with each other. When the comparator 90 now applies acoincidence signal to the logic circuit 92, the logic circuit 92disables the address counter 94 to thereby stop writing the imagesignals. After the writing of one image signal in the image memory hasbeen completed, an interruption takes place with respect to the CPU 46,thereby leading to execution of completion processing. At this time, thecomparator 90 monitors the completion processing executed by the CPU 46and then interrupts the SCPU 42 to deactivate the CPU 46. Then, the SCPU42 commands the logic circuit 92 so as to avoid the addresses located inthe memory areas of 84a through 84d in the image memory 84 in whichvalues counted by the address counter have been written therein based onthe above-described manner. The image signals are stored in the memoryareas of 84a through 84d in the image memory 84 respectively in theabove-described manner.

On the other hand, upon completion of storage of the image signals inthe image memory 84, the user then establishes image processingparameters relative to the image signals, for example, parametersregarding gradation processing, frequency processing, etc. by using thedisplay 36 and the keyboard 38. At this time, a signal for reading outeach of certain image signals from the memory areas of 84a through 84din the image memory 84 is supplied to the address counter 96 through thebus line 45 and the PIO 68. The image memory 84 then supplies an imagesignal representing the chest, which has been stored in, for example,the memory area 84a out of the designated memory areas of 84a through84d, to the control apparatus 16.

Based on the parameters established by the user, the CPU 46 thenexecutes the image processing with respect to the image signalrepresenting the chest, and also outputs a visible image through theimage output apparatus 18 or 20. At this time, the user investigatestogether with doctors or the like whether or not the visible image is ina good or bad condition. According to the result of its investigation,the user establishes again other image processing parameters with thekeyboard 38 so as to output an image subjected to the image processingusing the parameters established. It is therefore possible to establishmost suitable image processing parameters by repeatedly performing theoperation for the above-described investigation.

As a further embodiment, the CPU 46 serves to replace, for example, dataon the side of the control apparatus 16 with support data which has beenset in advance in the RAM 47 based on a data alternation command whichhas been set to the RAM 60. At this time, the control apparatus 16continues the image processing operation because the HALT conditioncaused by the occurrence of the error is released. Incidentally, the CPU46 displays information about error messages or the like, which followon the data alternation command from the RAM 60, on the console of thecontrol apparatus 16, and suggests an error processing procedure of theimage at the time the error occurs, or the like to the user.

Where it is desired to read such a traced image, the user givesinstructions through the PIO 68 from the keyboard 38 so as to read theresults of the trace, which are stored and held in the respective memoryareas of 84a through 84d in the image memory 84 provided in the imagesignal storage unit 34. The SCPU 42 then sets the reading addresscounter 96 through the PIO 68 and at the same time reads data during acycle executed through the PIO 68.

The SCPU 42 also analyzes, for example, the contents of a fault relativeto an image formed on the image output apparatus 18 and 20, togetherwith information about the instructions or the like which have beenstored in the RAM 60.

The user also carries the image or the like to a fault analytic agencyor the like to find out the cause of the fault or take a necessary meansfor recovering the system.

As a still further embodiment, the serviceman also gives instructionsfrom the keyboard 38 through the SIO 50 so as to read out the processinginformation, which has been stored in the RAM 60 and leads to occurrenceof the fault, and then saves the thus read information in a floppy diskor the like. The serviceman also commands from the keyboard 38 throughthe SIO 50 so as to read the improper image which has been stored andheld in each of the memory areas of 84a through 84d within the imagememory 84 provided in the image signal storage unit 34. As aconsequence, the SCPU 42 then sets the read address counter 96 throughthe PIO 68 and at the same time, reads data during a cycle executedthrough the PIO 68, thereby to reproduce the improper image by the imageoutput apparatus 18. Thereafter, the serviceman will find out the causeof the fault and takes a necessary measures for recovering the systemand so on, based on the floppy disk and the reproduced image.

The support apparatus, which functions as described above, can monitorthe bus line 80 and the CPU 46 in the control apparatus 16, check thefault and also carried out the operation test of a new program and soon. Therefore, a description will next be made on operation for checkingthe fault using the support apparatus 30.

A test program for testing the bus line 80 employed in the controlapparatus 16 is loaded into the RAM 60 of the support control unit 32 bythe RAM. The test program is executed through the keyboard 38 providedin the support apparatus 30. At this time, the SCPU 42 controls the gate49 and the CPU 46 processes the test program loaded in the RAM 60, tothereby start the test operation of the program.

When data appears on the bus line 80 used for the control apparatus 16owing to operation of the CPU 46, the SCPU 42 activates the image signalstorage unit 34 to store the data on the bus line 80 in the image memory84.

When the data is of an image data at this time, the SCPU 42 controls theimage signal storage unit 34 as follows. In other words, the SCPU 42first clears the REG 82 arranged in the image signal storage unit 34 andsets an end address to the REG 88 through the PIO 68, and also enablesthe logic circuit 92. Then, the REG 82 latches each address on the busline 80 and the latched address is compared with the end address fromthe REG 88 by the comparator 90. The REG 82 then takes in image data onthe bus line 80 with respect to the image memory 84 until both addressescoincide with each other. When the comparator 90 detects the coincidenceof the address on the bus line 80 with the end address, the comparator90 applies a coincidence signal to the logic circuit 92, and hence theaddress counter 94 is disabled to stop writing the data in the imagememory.

On the other hand, the SCPU 42 performs the same processing as that ofthe test program executed by the CPU 46, and supplies the processedresult to the image signal storage unit 34 through the PIO 68. Then, theSCPU 42 compares the data from the support control unit 32 with the datawhich has been written in the image memory 84, thereby making itpossible to check whether or not the image processing operation of theradiation image information processing system is in the normalcondition.

According to the present invention, as has been described above, whereit is desired to perform adjustment by the serviceman, i.e., the initialadjustment at the time of installation of the system or readjustment ofthe system while it is in operation, with a view toward properly keepingfunctions of the radiation image information processing system from atime-dependent change in functions of the radiation image informationprocessing system, the support apparatus for the radiation imageprocessing system, in which the reference image information have beenstored in advance, is connected to the radiation image informationprocessing system. An image obtained from the apparatus is then renderedvisible so as to be the reference visible image to be used. Using such areference visible image, adjustment is made such that the quality inimage becomes a desirable state, in the image visual-recognitionanalytical work of the conditions of environment at the position wherethe system is installed, or in the image visual-recognition analyticalwork using a recording medium used for the user of the system or adevice with a CRT or the like. Thus, the invention can bring about thefollowing advantageous effects. In other words, a fine adjustment can bepracticed without the need for an artificial body or the like subjectedto the above adjustment or the like in order to carry out theabove-described adjustment. Further, the work for installation of thesystem can rapidly performed without the need for a number ofservicemen. Also desired functions of the radiation image informationprocessing system can be achieved as rapid as possible and aneconomically-practicable demand for the adjustment operation can be met.

Further, according to the present invention, the image signals or thelike subjected to the fault during a predetermined period of timesubsequent to connection of the support apparatus to the system arestored and held in a plurality of memory areas. The contents of thefault are thereafter analyzed based on the stored individual imagesignals or the like at the time the fault occurs so as to recognize, asrapid as possible, the state of the fault or the like which occurs inthe radiation image information processing system, thereby removing thefault or the like. Thus, the invention can bring about an advantageouseffect that the recovery of the fault or the like can be practiced aseconomically as possible.

Furthermore, according to the present invention, where it is desired toestablish the image processing parameters employed in the radiationimage information processing system, the support apparatus which iscapable of storing the image signals is connected to the system, andimage signals obtained as a result of a reading are temporarily stored.Thereafter, desired image processing parameters are established from theoptimal image obtained by processing the stored image signals based onvarious image processing parameters. At this time, the image processingparameters capable of obtaining the optimal image can be established bythe user himself. Since the image processing can repeatedly be practicedwith respect to the stored image signals, no burden is imposed on thepatients. This process is therefore preferred.

Besides, according to the present invention, the support control unitand the bus monitor board are connected to the radiation imageinformation processing system so as to monitor data on the bus line,thereby making it possible to monitor the fault of the system or carryout the operation test of the new program, or the like in detail.

Having now fully described the invention, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that many changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as set forthherein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A correction apparatus for use with a radiationimage information processing system, said correction apparatus beingconnected to a radiation image information processing system whichsubjects a radiation image to signal processing so as to obtain an imagesignal and generates a visible image from the image signal, saidcorrection apparatus comprising:a control unit for detecting a fault inoperation of the radiation image information processing system inaccordance with first data resulting from execution of a test program bythe radiation image information processing system, wherein said testprogram is stored in said control unit; said control unit furthercomprising a processing means for independently executing said testprogram producing second data which are compared to said first data todetermine whether the radiation image information processing system isoperating without faults; and image signal storing means, coupled tosaid radiation image information processinq system via a data bus and tosaid control unit, for storing image signals.
 2. The correctionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein said control unit comprisesfirst storing means for storing a test program therein, and said imagesignal storing means includes second storing means for storing dataproduced by said radiation image information processing system byexecuting said test program and supplied to said second storing means ona bus line connected between the radiation image information processingsystem and said second storing means, and wherein detection of a faultin said radiation image information processing system is determined fromsaid data stored in the second storing means.
 3. The correctionapparatus according to claim 2, wherein said second storing meansincludes an image memory.
 4. The correction apparatus according to claim1, wherein said image signal storing means stores said first data andsaid second data, said control unit further comprising:first memorymeans for storing a test program which is executed by said radiationimage information processing system and said processing means; testingmeans for initiating supply of said test program to said radiation imageinformation processing system and to said processing means to begin atesting operation; comparing means for comparing said first data andsaid second data received from said image signal storing means; andmeans for judging whether said radiation image information processingsystem is defective based upon information from said comparing means. 5.A correction apparatus for use with a radiation image informationprocessing system which subjects a radiation image to certain signalprocessing to obtain an image signal and generates a visible image fromthe image signal, said correction apparatus comprising:image signalstoring means for storing image signals and at least one predeterminedreference image signal; and a control unit, connected to said imagesignal storing means, for selectively sending said at least onepredetermined reference image signal to said radiation image informationprocessing system for processing to produce said visible image to beused for detecting a fault in said radiation image informationprocessing system and for initial adjustment and subsequent readjustmentof said radiation image information processing system.
 6. The correctionapparatus according to claim 5, wherein said control unit comprisessupplying means for initiating supply of said at least one predeterminedreference image signal stored in said image signal storing means to theradiation image information processing system, and parameterestablishing means for establishing each of image processing parametersrelative to the image signal supplied to the radiation image informationprocessing system.
 7. The correction apparatus according to claim 6,wherein said control unit further comprises storing means including animage memory, and wherein said parameter establishing means includes akeyboard.
 8. The correction apparatus according to claim 6, wherein saidimage signal storing means comprises an image signal selecting means,responsive to an output signal received from said supplying means insaid control unit, for selectively reading out an image signal stored insaid image signal storing means upon the initial adjustment andsubsequent readjustment, and image signal supplying means for supplyingthe image signal stored in said image signal storing means to saidradiation image information processing system to generate the visibleimage.
 9. The correction apparatus according to claim 8, wherein saidcorrection apparatus further comprises:means for initiating selection ofthe image signal stored in said image signal storing means; and meansfor adjusting image processing parameters in accordance with anappearance of said visible image.